Western Lakes Fire Information

Why do we need a referendum now?

• With calls for service up 74% and local paid-on-call staffing down 69%, WLFD is challenged with increased response times that put residents, and their property, at risk.
• Every year, WLFD loses an average of 40 part-time staff members, largely because they obtain full-time employment or take higher-paying jobs including with other fire departments. The majority WLFD’s part-time staff are paid just $14 an hour.
• Because of state-imposed levy limits, municipalities within the District must receive approval from voters through a referendum to authorize an increase to the tax levy to fund the services.

If a majority vote “yes”

If community referendums are approved by a majority of voters, WLFD will improve staffing and increase wages to bring fire and EMS capabilities in line with industry standards and best practices, resulting in:

Additional staff, including:

• 33 additional in-station firefighter / paramedics (11 per shift across the WLFD footprint), eliminating the need to wait for paid- on-call staff to arrive before staff respond to a call;
• 3 additional battalion chiefs (one per shift);
• 15 paid internship positions (positions are not new, but new Department of Labor regulations require that intern positions be paid);
• 1 full-time administrative assistant; and
• 1 additional fire inspector.

Increased wages to maintain current staff and avoid staff departures to other departments, be competitive in the market and enhance staff recruitment. 

WLFD-2022 Western Lakes Fire District Referendum-Utility Flyer-v4